TSM Makes Roster Change: Kanpeki Joins VALORANT Team
TSM has made a significant swap to its starting VALORANT roster today. Eric “Kanpeki” Xu, a former Sentinels player with experience as an initiator and duelist, is replacing James “Hazed” Cobb.
Kanpeki will step into the starting roster for TSM just hours before the team’s week three matchup in the NA VALORANT Challengers League. Currently sitting at 1-1, the team hopes the change will bring success.
Goodbye to Hazed: A Mutual Decision
In the official goodbye posted to the TSM channel, Hazed explained that it was in everyone’s best interest to take a step back. He provided additional context on the decision, stating that in-game, they didn’t mesh well and he felt like the odd man out. Hazed took the initiative to message coach Jake “Daeda” Hale and express his belief that it was best to move on.
Hazed had previously joined TSM VALORANT in May 2020 but left in 2021 to join NRG. He then rejoined TSM with a new roster in 2023. However, after the organization’s failed attempt to secure a franchise partnership with Riot, Hazed decided to part ways with the team.
Kanpeki Steps In: From Tier Two to TSM
Replacing Hazed is Kanpeki, who made a significant leap from tier two to the starting roster of Sentinels during the 2022 NA VALORANT Champions Tour season. However, Sentinels struggled after reaching Challengers Two and ultimately went 0-5 in groups, winning only one map. Kanpeki was removed from the roster a few months later before the NA Last Chance Qualifier.
Kanpeki, known for his skills as an initiator and duelist, will make his TSM debut against The Guard today at 5pm CT.
TSM, VALORANT, roster change, Kanpeki, Hazed, Sentinels